Leopard injured by sharp wire fencing in tea garden; Forest Department takes immediate action

A leopard was injured after becoming trapped in sharp wire fencing at Bigdighi Tea Garden, situated near Gorumara National Park in the Dhoopjhoda area of Meteli block, West Bengal. The incident occurred when the leopard, likely attempting to cross the fencing to move between forested areas, became ensnared in the wires. Local residents discovered the trapped animal and immediately informed the forest department.

Forest personnel from the Dhoopjhoda beat and Khunia squad quickly arrived at the scene and sedated the leopard using tranquilizer darts to safely subdue it. The animal was then carefully freed from the sharp wire fencing. After receiving initial medical treatment at the location, the leopard was released back into the wild near the Gorumara forest area, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards.

This incident follows a series of similar wildlife injuries related to the use of sharp wire fencing, which has been installed around agricultural and tea garden areas to deter animals from entering localities. The forest department, in response, has directed the immediate removal of such fencing from the Bigdighi Tea Garden and other neighboring areas. The removal is part of a broader effort to mitigate risks to wildlife and prevent future entanglements, as animals frequently move through these regions. This fencing, though intended to limit human-wildlife conflict, has resulted in injuries and fatalities in the past, leading to growing concerns from wildlife conservationists and the forest department.

The tea garden and surrounding areas, which are close to Gorumara National Park, often experience wildlife movement, particularly during seasonal migrations and in search of food. These regions are prone to human-wildlife conflicts due to their proximity to protected forest areas. The forest department’s directive to remove the hazardous fencing aims to reduce the risk of further wildlife injuries, especially in high-conflict zones like those near Gorumara. The department is actively working to find alternative solutions to ensure the safety of both wildlife and local communities.